Browns hire Jackson as coach

CLEVELAND (AP) — A person familiar with the decision says the Browns are hiring Bengals offensive coordinator Hue Jackson as their next coach.

Jackson will become the team’s eighth coach since 1999 once the sides have finalized his deal, the person told The Associated Press on Wednesday on condition of anonymity because the team has not announced the hiring.

The Browns were drawn to the 50-year-old Jackson because he has NFL head coaching experience, his deep knowledge of the AFC North and his strong record working with quarterbacks.

Cleveland has the No. 2 overall pick in this year’s draft and will likely use it on a quarterback.

Jackson spent the past two seasons overseeing Cincinnati’s offense. He pushed quarterback Andy Dalton to his best statistical season and was known for his creative flair with unbalanced lines and unorthodox formations.

Jackson replaces Mike Pettine, who was fired after going 10-22 in two seasons.